Wait, I Don’t Need A High Heel-Shaped Tape Dispenser?

Ok, so take one look at my picture to your right, and you will likely say that I look about 16 (that is so sweet of you - thanks mom for the good genes!), BUT I actually had my very first day of elementary school 21 years ago. Shocker, I know.

Believe it or not, I was one of those nerdy and awkward kids that loved school. Well actually, to be honest, I loved the cool new stuff I got for school. Sadly, I don’t think I have changed all that much - I love getting new school, errrr, office supplies. But seriously, who doesn’t need a high heel-shaped tape dispenser?

This time of year, I remember the list of school supplies I needed. My mom and I would go out and buy each item brand new.

Today I ask myself, why did I need a new backpack when my old one worked just fine? Why did I need new pencils when my mechanical pencils just needed lead? Why did I need new notebooks when my old ones still had paper left in them? Bottom line: I liked new things. I think many people can relate to that no matter what context it is in.

But now everyone’s going green! I am absolutely amazed by some of the eco-friendly school supplies they have on the market these days:

• Backpacks made from plastic bottles
• Soy crayons
• Recycled paper and notebooks
• Biodegradable pens
• Recycled highlighters and markers
• Bamboo clothing?!

I applaud and encourage others to move forward with this way of thinking, but if it’s not for you, that doesn’t mean you can’t make some adjustments.

As I’ve said in previous posts, I think it is possible, and still beneficial, to take on some eco-friendly habits even if they aren’t to the extreme. I’m sticking with my new shopping mantra: choose quality over quantity. It may not be recycled, but you are still choosing a product that will last longer than the traditional cheap products you have to replace each year.

For school, this can be as simple as:

• Use a reusable lunch bag and containers instead of brown paper lunch bags and plastic sandwich bags. I must say, I am much more fashionable now that I have a zebra print lunch bag.
• When I was in school I got a new backpack every year until I finally asked for an L.L. Bean backpack (to match my sister’s of course) for Christmas one year. I used that backpack from 4th grade to my senior year of high school. In fact, I think I still have it.
• Use refillable pens and pencils instead of ones that run out leaving a useless plastic object you have to throw away.
• Use a sturdy canvas binder instead of a plastic one that will likely break in a month or two.
• Purchase clothes that are higher quality and ones that you can use for multiple seasons. Cardigans are a lifesaver.
• Purchase used books for your classes. I bet you can find books that look brand new.

Think about alternatives that will last longer. Buy it if you can (it can be more expensive up front but save you money in the long run), or maybe you already have it and just need to take it off the shelf and dust it off. Oh yeah, and only purchase what you need. Not only are you saving money, you’re being eco-friendly!